CLE Milk Expression & Storage

Question 1

According to current CDC guidelines, freshly expressed breast milk stored at room temperature (up to 77°F/25°C) can be safely kept for how long?

Accepted Answer

Up to 4 hours

Answer

Current CDC guidelines recommend using freshly expressed milk within 4 hours when stored at room temperature up to 77°F for optimal safety.

Question 2

How long can freshly expressed breast milk be safely stored in a refrigerator set at 40°F (4°C) or below?

Accepted Answer

Up to 4 days

Answer

The CDC recommends using refrigerated expressed breast milk within 4 days for optimal quality and safety.

Question 3

What is the maximum recommended storage time for breast milk in a standard household freezer at 0°F (-18°C) for best quality?

Accepted Answer

6 months

Answer

While breast milk remains safe up to 12 months, 6 months is the recommended timeframe to preserve optimal nutritional and immunological quality.

Question 4

When combining breast milk from different pumping sessions, what is the safest practice?

Accepted Answer

Cool freshly pumped milk in the refrigerator before combining with older refrigerated milk

Answer

Adding warm milk to cold stored milk raises its temperature and promotes bacterial growth; newly expressed milk must be cooled first before combining.

Question 5

Which method is NOT recommended for thawing frozen breast milk?

Accepted Answer

Microwaving the sealed storage bag or bottle

Answer

Microwaving breast milk creates dangerous hot spots that can burn the infant and destroys heat-sensitive antibodies and nutrients.

(CLE) Certified Lactation Educator Practice Test

(CLE) Certified Lactation Educator Practice Test

CLE Milk Expression & Storage